The Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Western Naval Command, Rear Adm. Jason Gbassa, has called on naval personnel and the military in general to be vigilant and ensure topnotch security during the festive period.
Gbassa said this during the Nigerian Navy Lagos Area End of Year Activities: A Day Out With Ratings’ which was held on Friday at the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) QUORRA premises in Apapa, Lagos State.
The FOC was represented at the event by the Deputy Commandant, NNS QUORRA, Commodore Shuaib Ahmed.
He said that the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Awwal Gambo, had deemed it fit to organise such an ocassion to celebrate their achievements for the year and also prepare the Naval personnel for the Year 2022.
“The gathering is an opportunity for us to reflect on the past and consolidate on the way forward on operational efficiency in the Year 2022.
“The country is in a trying period because of the security situation presently facing us. This serves as a cause for all of us to pray in order to overcome the challenges.
“I advise everyone, especially the military, to take the security of ourselves, our families and the environment seriously,” he said.
The FOC urged Nigerians to be vigilant saying that kidnappers, bandits and terrorists usually target innocent citizens and military personnel during period of celebrations.
“We have to be careful wherever we are celebrating during the festive period so that we do not fall prey to the activities of the evil men.
“Gone are the days of segregation; so, every hand must be on deck to make sure that things are in order and lives and properties are secured during the celebrations.
“Change can only come from us individually and when it does, everything will take shape and fall into place as expected,” Gbassa said.
The FOC said that those who are priviledged to celebrate should remember to pray for the families of those who had lost their lives in the course of service to the country.
He wished everyone a Merry Christmas.
(NAN)
